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Better and Better - Encouragement Café - December 30, 2015

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 NIV

Entrée:

Somehow it had gotten better. I couldn't remember the exact date or time, but I suddenly realized in the past few months things were really much better. My daily tension had decreased, as had my angry outbursts. And I just felt less weighed down.

Was it that new moisturizer with all it's fancy promises?

Maybe it was the blueberry oatmeal I was eating for breakfast?

It could be that extra cup of coffee?

Nope.

It was the Lord.

Just as simple and holy and lovely as that. It was the God who made me.

Over several months I had been giving Him my "stuff." The things that burdened me, drew me away from Him and pulled me far from who He wanted me to be. I handed Him angry rages, jealousy, feelings of insecurity and stress. He took it as far as the east is from the west. Some days I try to go back and get it, but fortunately I'm not very good with directions.

I still have some struggles because I'm human and that's just the way it is. But, over the past year, because I have given Him so much of what was dragging me down, I am now able to see more clearly. I have better focus and a heart that is cleaner to seek and serve. Not being so bogged down in our own issues frees us to reach up and out more often and more effectively.

Looking back over this year, I see His handprint and know it's just the beginning of what His plan is for me. Allow yourself a little time today to reflect on the way the Lord has loved you in the past and it will bless and encourage your heart!

Take Out:

Since life can be, oh so crazy, it's easy to live in the now and the next 15 minutes. However, when we take time to reflect on the Lord's faithfulness it gives us encouragement to face new challenges and builds our faith. When we are faith builders, those around us become interested and encouraged to be better. The love of Jesus really is contagious!

Dessert:

Father God, I can always count on You. Thank You for knowing what I need and for sifting through those parts of me that need refining. I want to serve You with a whole heart and to be effective here on earth. I want to represent You well so You get all the glory and honor. Thank You, Jesus for the way we can look back and see Your hand in our lives. Amen.

The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh. We invite you to listen inas we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.

Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug. We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.

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